It might seem rather odd to think about calling a licensed plumber to your home if you don’t have any issues with your plumbing system. But it is essential to know that a plumber works with more than water lines. A licensed plumber is also the expert who will assist you if you suspect that you have a gas leak in your home. The copper pipes that carry propane and natural gas are identical to the lines that carry water through your home. And that makes plumbers experts at installing and repairing these crucial pipes.
The Dangers Of A Gas Leak
Natural gas can be used for cooking, heating, and also to fuel your water heater. So there could be many gas lines running through the walls, floors, and ceilings of your home. But because it is a colorless gas, it can be hard to detect. It is also worth mentioning that natural gas has no odor. But as a safety precaution, gas suppliers add an inert chemical to the natural gas to give it the smell of sulfur or rotten eggs.
The most concerning hazard presented by natural gas is that it permeates the air and causes oxygen deprivation for humans or animals in the area. The first signs of this potentially deadly occurrence are dizziness, confusion, burning red eyes, and possibly breathing issues. Anyone with these symptoms should be evacuated from your home and receive emergency medical care.
The second hazard with a gas leak is the possibility of an explosion. Any spark or open flame can ignite the gas with a high enough concentration in the ambient air. If you suspect a gas leak in your home, it is critical that you evacuate the house, leaving doors and windows open if possible. Once everyone is a safe distance away, call 911 to alert them of a possible gas leak. Then contact your local plumber for emergency gas leak detection and repair service.
Detecting A Gas Leak In Your Home
The most typical indication of a gas leak is the smell of rotten eggs or sulfur. The odor is very pungent and easy to notice in most cases. Never try to locate the leak. Leave that to the professionals. Evacuate the house and call for help.
If you hear an odd hissing or whistling sound when you are near a gas line, that is also a good indication of a leak. The gas is under pressure in the pipe and leaking from a small crack or pinhole to create a loud noise. Evacuate immediately and call for professional help. Do not try to repair the leak on your own.
On rare occasions, you could see a cloud around a gas line that indicates a leak. The gas is under high pressure and will create a gray or white mist or cloud at the leak location. Do not try to repair the leak or stop the gas from flowing out of the pipe. Evacuate and call in the professionals to safely repair the gas leak.
When your plumber arrives, he or she might have a device that locates gas leaks by analyzing the air. But it is also helpful for you to describe where you smelled or noticed the leak. Never go back into your home until it has been deemed safe by either your professional plumber or safety officials. For immediate emergency gas line service, call (720) 650-2455. A licensed plumber from Flatirons Plumbing will arrive quickly to ensure that the leak is located and correctly repaired.
